New employee, new mistakes - how to reduce implementation time and avoid mistakes?
Every company that hires new employees knows this scenario. On the first day, everything goes according to plan – welcome, paperwork, a tour of the office or production hall. But then the real work begins, and with it come mistakes: order errors, incorrect machine settings, incomprehensible procedures. Is it the new employee's fault? Not necessarily – most often the problem [...]
Why are delivery dates delayed despite full machine occupancy?
Overtime, full machine occupancy, the team gives it its all - and the customer calls asking: „Where's my order?”. The salesman asks when he can promise shipment. The production manager spreads his hands as everything seems to be running at full steam. If you manage production, planning or supply chain, this scenario is probably not unfamiliar to you. People are working hard, occupancy rates look [...]
Lean Management Dictionary - Work organisation and flow in Lean: 5S, Kanban and SMED in practice
Why does workplace tidiness matter? 5S is a method of workplace organisation that includes: Selection, Systematics, Cleaning, Standardisation and Self-discipline. It ensures that every tool and material has its place, increasing efficiency and reducing waste (Muda). Example: shadow board - a missing tool can be seen immediately. How does Poka-Yoke work? Poka-Yoke is a system for preventing errors by designing a process or tool in such a way that [...]
Dictionary of Lean Management - the basics: from Muda to Kaizen
What is Lean Management? Lean Management is a management philosophy that focuses on eliminating waste (Muda) and creating value for the customer. Lean is not just a set of tools, but a way of thinking that works in every industry - from manufacturing to services, construction and administration. The foundations of Lean are processes, people, organisational culture and continuous improvement. What does [...]
Lean Management Dictionary - Time, strategy and leaders in Lean: Takt Time, VSM and Gemba
What is Takt Time? Takt Time is a production rhythm determined by customer demand. It defines how often one unit should be produced to meet orders.Example: a customer orders 480 units per day → Takt Time = 1 unit every minute. What is the difference between Cycle Time and Lead Time? Cycle Time- the time it takes to make one piece of a product.Example: it takes [...]
How to effectively implement the Last Planner System® on a construction project?
Table of Contents Last Planner System® (LPS) is one of the key Lean Construction tools to significantly improve the planning and execution of construction work. It aims to increase predictability and efficiency of work through better coordination of execution teams and elimination of waste. So how do you implement LPS on a construction site step by step? Step 1: Prepare and involve the team Without proper [...]
Last Planner System® (LPS): The Key to Effective Planning in Construction
Table of Contents The Last Planner System® (LPS) is one of the most important tools used within Lean Construction to support construction teams to plan effectively, coordinate work better and increase productivity. The system emphasises collaboration and process transparency, resulting in better anticipation, elimination of downtime and optimisation of resources. The main goals of LPS are to improve the delivery [...]
Lean Construction as a major support for sustainable construction and ESG strategies
Table of contents The dynamic growth of the construction industry means that sustainability aspects are playing an increasingly important role. In response to increasing environmental, social and regulatory requirements, construction companies are looking for effective project management strategies. One of the most effective approaches that combines process optimisation with sustainable construction principles is Lean Construction. In this article, we will examine how [...]
What challenges await in implementing Lean Construction and how to overcome them?
Table of contents Implementing Lean Construction in construction projects is akin to trying to bring order to chaos in a dynamic environment. It is not just a set of tools, but above all a new way of thinking about work organisation and collaboration on site. While the benefits are undeniable - less waste, better productivity and greater predictability - the road to successful implementation can be challenging. What barriers [...]
Lean Construction - A comprehensive approach to lean management in construction
Table of Contents Lean Construction (LC) is a modern approach to construction project management that is derived from the principles of Lean Management and the Toyota Production System. Its main objective is to minimise waste and maximise value for the client, which is becoming an indispensable part of today's construction industry, where demands for timeliness, quality and financial efficiency are constantly increasing. Working in [...]